Amos Lee is WONDERFUL. A very laid-back singer-songwriter with some fantastic songs. Tommy Daniels auditioned with an Amos Lee song a few years ago, “Arms of a Woman”:

“Shout Out Loud” (forgive the shaky video, but the audio is good):

“Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight”:

Sorry I asked a dumb question regarding Anoop. Through research I was able to get the answers I needed.

I wonder why he tends to go up so much – is it his “taste” or is it just easier for him due to his technique?

My feeling is that the reason leans more towards the first, but the latter may play a role as well. As a soprano, I find it easier to project well on higher notes than low because I have the technique to do so. That said, if I really concentrate, I can get a certain richness to my low notes as well (although they’ll never be as rich as when a mezzo sings them!), and in reality, those notes are probably “easier.” They just don’t project as well.

However, all of the stuff I wrote above is peripheral in light of how much I simply LOVE singing in my upper range. I love the feeling of soaring on the high notes! It is an incredible feeling to sing a strain-free G5 in full voice! I feel that I express myself more fully in that part of more range; the emotion of what I am singing is most real for me in that part of my range. And I like the aesthetic of well-done high notes. Of course, I speak only for myself and not Adam, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Adam had similar feelings about singing high notes.

Now, I want to explain about my remark about arrogance. Arrogance can have many meanings and it does not have to be negative.

I am pointing out their “arrogance” because what makes them think that they can win AI if they don’t pick the “right” songs that might come up on AI–usually rock week, disco week, country western week, and all genres…. AND PRACTICE your face off. If they are not up to par yet, wait til next year! Know who you are and be an artist with your portfolio of the “right” songs that fits you. I would be embarrassed in front of millions of peeps if I am not ready. Puh-leeeeeze

You would think after watching 8 years of AI, you would know what is the criteria. LOL >smilehigh 5<

Someone posted another recording of the event – the quality is much better: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IczgFvPvCQg

Anyway, point is, I liked what he did with the national anthem, especially on the word “brave”, as others have noted. There weren’t too many extra frills, so the audience could stay focused on the words. It was very good. Way to go, Adam!

The “ee” vowel is very easy to “splat,” which is to sing a vowel too wide, sounding strained. The reverse is also true; it is easy to lose compression and break into head voice for this note if the vowel is too close to “ih.” Finding the right balance on the “ee” vowel can be very difficult.

I also thought it was refreshing to hear Adam sing this song in a more subdued key. I liked hearing the lower notes from him.

Again, what I can say? Bravo, Adam! Any “criticisms” I can make would really be exerting preferences more than anything else. Skillful phrasing, seamless registers. Classic, really.

MCL, J would you please comment?

Anoop Desai performed “Crazy Love” with Amos Lee last night at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta. This was a song he performed with his Chapel Hill, NC a’capella group, the Clef Hangers.

Too bad Van Morrison doesn’t clear songs for American Idol…

Who is Amos Lee? Wasn’t this the song Jason auditioned with, and maybe David Cook?

There was a discussion on another forum of how the the sound technicians would fool around with certain contestant’s volume for the group performance. Sometimes it seemed obvious. At the moment, the only name that comes to mind is Leah LaBelle.

So, my question is could the sound technician have made Kris sound a little softer than Danny deliberately? I am sorry, but there have been so much manipulations in this show, I wouldn’t put it past them.

Oh, I know that sounds just terrible.

with all the professional help out there you would think these contestants want to last a long time in the industry and would take the advice and learn the correct way to sing and protect their vocal cords at the same time

Amen to that! SO true. A singer’s voice is his or her instrument. People go to great pains not to scratch their guitars, and yet, they batter their voices with improper technique all the time! I’ve heard about singers not wanting to take vocal lessons because they’re afraid that learning correct vocal technique will “ruin their style,” which is completely untrue if one finds a good vocal coach. As I have said before, there is a technically efficient way to produce any sound (yes, including growls, metal “screams,” etc.), and the best vocal coach won’t try to change his or her student but simply help him or her find the “best” way to produce his or her sound.

I like how Sophie Shear (who works with Brett Manning, vocal coach of Hayley Williams from Paramore) put it: “I’m not out to turn anybody into something they’re not, but to help them find the very BEST possible version of themselves, vocally.”

I will be honest, I had this thought on Tuesday, but since no one mentioned it, I did not bring it into discussion. Just another way AI has manipulated in the past. Food for thought…